February is National Cat Health Month! Actually, for us, every month is Cat Health Month, but that’s beside the point. Kitties are known for being independent, but our feline friends do need good care to truly thrive. As your Marion, IA vet, I offer tips on keeping your kitty healthy in this article.
Good Food
Good cat care starts with good food. Offer your feline buddy the best pet food you can afford. Keep your cat’s dishes and dinner area clean, and remove uneaten food immediately. Treats are fine, but choose healthy ones, and don’t let your cute pet ‘meownipulate’ you into overfeeding her.
Clean Litterbox
Cleaning litterboxes isn’t fun, but it is definitely necessary! Keep up with this task by scooping daily and changing the litter out every week.
Veterinary Care
Make sure your pet sees the vet regularly. I recommend that kitties be microchipped and spayed or neutered while they are young. Once your feline pal is fully grown, she should come in at least once a year, for exams, vaccinations, and parasite control products. Just like people, cats often need to see their doctors a bit more as they age, so senior cats may need more frequent appointments. Follow your vet’s recommendations.
Catproofing
Kitties are very curious and playful. These traits can definitely get Fluffy into trouble! Make sure your home is safe for your pet by removing or securing anything you don’t want her to eat, sleep on, or play with. This includes poisonous plants, plastic bags, wrappers, and ties, chemicals, medications, and anything small or sharp.
Keep Kitty In
One of the best things you can do to keep your furry pal safe and healthy is to simply keep her indoors. Cats that are allowed to go outside face some very serious hazards, such as cars, weather, and predators, to name just a few. Better safe than sorry!
Stimulation
Your cat’s mental and emotional health also play huge roles in her overall well-being. Keep Fluffy entertained and purring by providing lots of cat toys and pet furniture. Soft beds and window seats will help keep your kitty comfy and content. It’s also important for you to spend time with your pet daily, and pay attention to her. Time spent with cats is never wasted!
Do you need to make an appointment for your pet? Call me, your Marion, IA vet, today!
